Telling The Truth Part 2

In last week’s blog we talked about telling the truth. We said the Bible gives us three requirements for doing that. We talked about the first two and today I want to talk about the third.

The third requirement is telling the truth lovingly.

We have already looked at the Ephesians 4:15 passage. However, let’s look at it again.

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

When we speak the truth to another person, we must never use it as a club. Let’s say somebody asks us for help.
We must respond lovingly and carefully. We must not find fault or “lord it over them”. And when we need to speak the truth, we must do it lovingly

So how do we do that? We start by asking ourselves some key questions.

1. What is the real issue?
2. Are they are missing something or are they are contributing to their problems – if so how do I tell them?

Here it’s essential to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and perception. He will provide it. And also ask Him for advice on the best way to approach the person with what He has revealed to us. He will always provide that information too. James 1:5-8 says,

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

That’s one of the greatest promises of God. I call it a universal promise because it applies to any situation.

Well, I realize that this week’s blog is short and sweet. But that’s OK. I don’t really have anything more to add. And when that’s the case it’s best for me to shut up — or risk saying something improper or stupid.